Hubert Ellis Totman

Hubert E. Totman, 97, a former resident of Roseburg, Oregon, died Monday afternoon, October 29, 2012, at Jennings McCall Assisted Living Center in Forest Grove, Oregon.

Hubert Ellis Totman was born January 30, 1915, in Montesano, Washington, the son of Ward Mills Totman and Gertrude (Anderson) Totman. He was raised and received his education in Grants Pass, Oregon. After a short stint working for Safeway Grocers, Herb attended the University of Oregon for two years majoring in Business Administration.

Herb was a veteran of World War II. He served with the 413th Armored Field Artillery Battalion attached to the 20th Armored Division in the European Theatre, attaining the rank of Captain. Herb was discharged in November 1945.

In November, 1943, Herb married Georgeina Pebbles Lucas. After his discharge from the Army they made their home in Eugene, Oregon. In 1951 Herb was recalled to active duty in the Army and moved his family from Eugene to Fort Sill, Oklahoma and then back to Eugene. Herb served one and half years overseas in the Korean conflict.

After returning to Eugene, Herb soon moved his family to Roseburg, Oregon, where he would begin a long and prosperous career in the grocery business. In 1959 he founded Drive N Save Markets and the Garden Valley Shopping Center with his business partners Glenn Cougill and Wayne Thomas. When Drive N Save was sold in 1982 the corporation had grown to 7 grocery stores and several warehouses throughout southern Oregon. In 1985 Garden Valley Shopping Center was sold and Herb officially retired to spend time and travel with Georgeina.

Until retirement Herb served on many boards and was active in a number of community services. He served on the Roseburg Chamber of Commerce from 1960-1985, where he served as a board member and as president. In 1973 Herb was awarded the Roseburg First Citizen Award. In 1975 he was awarded Oregon "Retailer of the Year" Merit Citation. Herb served on the board of directors for Safari Game Research Foundation, Douglas Community College Foundation, Umpqua Development Corporation, Timber Community Bank, Oregon Independent Grocers, Association of Oregon Food Industries, and the Giles Hunt Foundation. He gave of his time to the following community services: United Way, Roseburg Library, Community Cancer Foundation, Salvation Army, Boy Scouts of America, and the YMCA. He was active in Roseburg Presbyterian Church, serving on the Elder Board for many years.

In their retirement years Herb and Georgeina traveled extensively to many destinations around the world. These trips were made even more enjoyable by the companionship of good friends. Each winter he and Georgeina could be found in the southern California desert climate, golfing with close family friends. Every fall they followed their "Oregon Ducks" at Autzen Stadium, never missing a season until Georgeina was not able to climb the steps to their seats. They both enjoyed entertaining in their home and spending time with their children and grandchildren. He and Georgeina enjoyed 63 years of marriage before her passing in 2007.

Herb is survived by his four children and their spouses, Craig Lucas of Eugene, OR, Nancy Coughlin of Roseburg, OR, Mike Totman and Shari of Forest Grove, OR and Steve Totman and Anita of Portland, OR; and by eleven grandchildren; and sixteen great grandchildren.

He was a believer in doing one's duty, a devoted loving husband, a great and supportive father and a most wonderful grandfather. He enjoyed a full life with family and friends, a love of God, and a heart of service. Herb was truly a member of the Greatest Generation
A memorial service will be held on December 1, 2012 at 2 PM at the First Presbyterian Church